Weka

Gallirallus australis

Large, flightless rail endemic to New Zealand. Can be very curious, especially when living around people. Extinct over large tracts of the mainland. Variable plumage. Most birds are predominantly light brown with red eyes, a broad pointed bill, and strong legs. Often detected by characteristic “cooeet” calls given at dawn and in early evening. Buff-banded Rail is smaller and more boldly marked, with a rufous eye-stripe and a broad orange breast band.

Identification

Weka are large rails. They are predominantly rich brown mottled with black and grey; the brown shade varies from pale to dark depending on subspecies. The male is the larger sex at 50–60 cm (20–24 in) in length and 532–1,605 g (1.173–3.538 lb) in weight. Females measure 46–50 cm (18–20 in) in length and weigh 350–1,035 g (0.772–2.282 lb). The reduced wingspan ranges from 50 to 60 cm (20 to 24 in).<p>The relatively large, reddish-brown beak is about 5 cm (2.0 in) long, stout and tapered, and used as a weapon. The pointed tail is near-constantly being flicked, a sign of unease characteristic of the rail family. Weka have sturdy legs and reduced wings.

Taxonomy

Genus: Gallirallus; Family: Rallidae; Order: Gruiformes.

Scientific name
Gallirallus australis
Authority
(Sparrman, 1786)
Order
Gruiformes
Family
Rallidae
Genus
Gallirallus

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Behavior

Migration pattern: Resident species.

Conservation

Population trend: declining.

Population trend
declining

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

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